Asiana Travel Mate Vietnam Tours and Travel Company Profile

Company Description

Asiana Travel Mate Vietnam Tours and Travel Overview

ASIANA TRAVEL MATE'S ETHIC OF RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AND SHARING.

"It is our goal to embed the ethic of Responsible Travel and Sharing within our corporate culture, guiding and permeating every aspect of our operations, management, development and interaction with travelers and local communities. Our hope is that these values will spring from the heart to be demonstrated by our staff, shared by our travelers and appreciated by local communities, wherever we may leave the imprint of our presence in the unique and beautiful lands of Indochina... for the enhancement of our natural and cultural heritage and quality of life in perpetuity."

Extract: Open letter of Asiana Travel Mate founders, 2010.

Introduction

Asiana Travel Mate was founded in 2006, against the backdrop of unprecedented the growth of tourism in South East Asia with the consequent economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts, both beneficial and adverse. The last decade has also been marked by natural disasters, epidemics and the rise of global concern for environmental and social equity issues. In the face of both the opportunities and challenges, Asiana Travel Mate has grown beyond expectations within a relatively short period, the outcome of our endeavors in providing personalized services with optimal values, efficiency and integrity.

As a young company, we invariably project ourselves into the future and are deeply concerned about our responsibilities towards our travelers, local communities, our employees and the social, cultural and environmental impact of our operations. We believe in sharing the economic benefits of tourism towards improving the quality of life of local communities and in reaching out to the disadvantaged. We are orientated towards positive cross cultural interactions, enhancement of living culture and the conservation of natural environments. Although our initiatives may be humble in scope, we are committed to act within our given sphere of influence and resources. Responsible Travel and Sharing ultimately concerns our accountability to future generations as a corporate entity and as individuals ... the legacy we will leave our children, community, nation and the world.

Responsibility to travelers

Asiana Travel Mate assumes responsibility for the services and facilities it delivers, as committed to travelers in a validated, personalized itinerary. We are committed to delivering what is promised in writing and will address any issues arising in the course of a tour towards an amicable settlement. The scope of our responsibility is complete and specific to all services and facilities we provide directly, over which we have complete control.

We extend our responsibility in an intermediary role to address grievances in the case of service or facility providers over whom we do not have complete control but whom we have contracted or officially endorsed. We are very selective in our choice of strategic partners that are an integral part of our operational or logistical capabilities and feedback from our travelers is appreciated and acted upon. We are implementing a system to set the criteria, evaluate performance and award a strategic partnership status that will carry our branding.

Additionally, our travel advisory personnel are committed to providing unbiased, accurate and timely information, to guide potential travelers in deciding on their choices. They are expected to have the traveler's best interest at heart and refrain from any form of sales manipulation or verbal promises beyond their scope of ensuring its fulfillment.

Sharing with local communities

Local communities are very close to our hearts. Some destinations and their people may have special significance, evoking poignant memories, challenging or inspiring the soul. Asiana Travel Mate acknowledges local communities as the custodians of their culture and traditional lands and is sensitive to the evolution of their way of life. We are committed to sharing the economic benefits of tourism in their localities, to promote equitable access to education, vocational training, career development and healthcare within our ability to do so. However, we believe that intervention should not be imposed upon any community inspite of benevolent intentions, but rather developed in true partnership with the community towards improving the quality of life.

Responsibility for the natural environment

Operating in sensitive natural environments inhabited by people poses special challenges. Although local communities may traditionally have been custodians of their lands, they may often have limited control over development or may also inadvertently be responsible for environmental degradation. Our approach is to totally avoid or minimize any detrimental impacts of our operations in these areas, while promoting an awareness and action for the integrity of the ecosystem. Drawing upon the intimate knowledge of its people and expert sources, we try to be informed about the relational dynamics between the community, their environment and external factors, the status of flora and fauna and community livelihoods and resources. Our criteria for evaluating our impact is ultimately the outcome of our presence in contributing towards a better quality of life for the community and towards maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.

In wilderness areas with no permanent settlements, we are committed to the best practices of wilderness travel and living, with the objective of maintaining its original nature. These standards prohibit the exploitation or damage to flora and fauna, the introduction of foreign biological species, threatening intrusions to breeding, feeding or watering sites, disposal of inorganic, non-degradable materials or substances, fire or chemical hazards and unnatural noises.

Besides the observation of these guidelines in wilderness areas, Asiana Travel Mate cultivates the corporate and individual practice of the 4 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink and is actively seeking collaborations with organizations and individuals involved in conservation and community livelihood initiatives in Indochina.

Mutual responsibilities in social and cultural interactions

The uniqueness and diversity of the social and cultural identity of Indochina are among the primary reasons that people travel to the region. Throughout history, travelers have variously described the region as being exotic, evocative, etc ... peculiar to their individual perception and experience. Not all descriptions have been complimentary and travelers may be tempted to impose the social and cultural values or behavioral norms of their home countries, adopt a negative or patronizing attitude, while others adapt with an unflappable sense of humor and revel in the experience.

Asiana Travel Mate recognizes the difficulties inherent in traveling through the Indochina region where social and cultural terms of reference may be so different and are committed to mediate and ensure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of our travelers. We are confident that our travelers will share the responsibility of maintaining the social and cultural integrity of the country and avoid compromising behavior. Besides the universal modes of friendly, polite and patient behavior, there are subtle social and cultural nuances peculiar to each country. In accordance with the law, Asiana Travel Mate does not condone indulgence in prostitution, illicit drugs, drunken escapades or violence. Ultimately, Asiana Travel Mate assumes responsibility to promote the positive aspects of social and cross cultural interactions while mitigating the negative aspects.

Note: Briefs are provided prior to travel, not as a set of behavioral rules but rather as insights into issues such as concepts of privacy, intimacy and personal space, gestures and body language, dressing, rituals, photography, beggars and hustlers, street children and amputees, shopping, bargaining, etc.

Besides the social and cultural interactions that take place in the course of travel, Asiana Travel Mate actively seeks collaboration with organizations and individuals to promote and enhance the social and cultural integrity of Indochina.

Responsibility to empower employees

Asiana Travel Mate is committed to provide a conducive physical and intellectual working environment for its employees with opportunities for training, career development and stake-holding. We encourage an emergent leadership based on personal and professional integrity, a consistent record of competent service, as well as interpersonal and communicative skills. We expect that our travelers will be considerate of their sense of dignity and self esteem, and will appreciate their varied personalities and special gifts while being patient with their limitations. We believe in an egalitarian style of management, strong teamwork bonded by a common vision and ultimately the empowerment of the individual to realize their potentials and achieve fulfillment.

Asiana Travel Mate Vietnam Tours and Travel History

HISTORY OF ASIANA TRAVEL MATE

"A three-fold cord is not quickly broken"

The wisdom of the combined strength of three cords is a universal theme reflected in the folklore of many nations and cultures. The three fold bond represents the principles of harmony and balance in a world of duality. In early 2006, Nguyen Dinh An (Andy), Nguyen Ngoc Quyet and Bui Van Chi, decided to pool their experiences, skills and resources to establish a new and unique travel and tour company; Asiana Travel Mate.

Vietnam's tourism industry had been growing at an unprecedented rate, from just half a million visitors in 1993 to 4.5 million visitors by the year 2008, reflecting Vietnam's growing popularity as a destination of choice in the Asia Pacific. However, much of its growth was relatively uncontrolled with many small players acting as agents rather than operators which often left a negative gap in customer expectations of the delivery of services promised. In this scenario, the founders were determined to build a credible company committed to the principles of responsible travel and a culture of sharing.

Andy says, "Responsible travel is about traveling and operating in a way that addresses our concerns for the environmental, cultural and social impacts of tourism: to retain the integrity of sensitive ecosystems, to maintain the traditions and natural character of communities our travelers interact with and generally to preserve the natural and cultural heritage for which visitors come to Vietnam, besides our responsibility to leave a positive legacy for future generations."

Chi adds, "We endeavor to benefit both travelers and local communities in a sustainable manner which has been our commitment since the company's inception. Today, in the face of global environmental degradation, social and economic upheaval and transitions, our commitment is stronger than ever. We have developed a clear set of criteria and practices from the grassroots up to demonstrate our corporate and personal ethic of responsible travel and of sharing the benefits of tourism with local communities. We expect that our travelers will share this ethic with us."
Quyet adds another dimension to the ethic of responsible travel and sharing; "Internally, our responsibility extends to our relationships with our staff, strategic partners, suppliers and vendors... to empower them to grow with us with an equitable share of the rewards, towards a common vision and ultimately to mutually deliver our promises to our customers consistently. "

In 2006, Asiana Travel Mate's first office was set up in the bustling tourist centre of Ho Chi Minh City. In that year, Vietnam recorded 3.8 million tourist arrivals and the company quickly began securing a significant market share based on the quality of its customized services and commitment to its travelers. In (year) the company extended its reach with an office in the capital city of Hanoi that spurred its growth further.

In 2009, despite the global recession, the travel and tourism industry contributed an estimated 13% of the GDP to the Vietnamese economy. However its impact on the tourism industry weeded out many travel and tour operators while Asiana Travel Mate maintained its revenue levels in-spite of a drop in the number of travelers. Quyet says of the global crisis "A time of crisis brightens people and companies of true integrity, capabilities and values while it exposes & terminates those to the contrary."

The company recognized opportunities to consolidate and even expand its operations and quickly adapted its strategies in the face of the cumulative effects of the global recession. Inflation hovered at 30% and increased fuel prices resulted in higher operational costs but hotels were promoting reduced rates that would benefit independent travelers; the core of Asiana's Travel Mate's customer base.
The company also acquired control of two premier cruise ships in Halong Bay, the Valentine and the Calypso and formed strategic partnerships to improve the quality of its services, logistical and cost efficiencies. An office was opened in the Hue, Central Vietnam as well as in Laos and Cambodia, extending the company's presence beyond Vietnam.

Firmly built on the foundation of a commitment to responsible travel and a culture of sharing, besides the leverage of its substantial customer base and solid financial standing, the company has built its capacity to operate throughout Indochina with a diverse range of customized itineraries, routes and destinations. Asiana Travel Mate enjoys the endorsements of its travelers and has handled over 40,000 travelers since its inception. With Vietnam's travel and tourism sector projected to have the world's sixth-highest growth rate in the next decade, Asiana Travel Mate is poised to offer its travelers even better value for money, quality of services and facilities in customized, personalized tours throughout Indochina ... in the spirit of responsible travel and the culture of sharing.

THE FOUNDERS OF ASIANA TRAVEL MATE
Nguyen Dinh An (Andy), based in Hue, Central Vietnam.
andy@asianatravelmate.com

Nguyen Dinh An (1972) is the father of six children with the distinction of having both twin sons and daughters. He lives with his family in the ancient citadel city of Hue. Andy, as he is also known, was born in the village of Tiên Điền in Hà Tĩnh province on the north central coast. The village is nestled deep in the literary heart of Vietnam, the home of the celebrated 18th century poet Nguyễn Du, author of the epic poem, The Tale of Kiều.
Andy began his career in the tourism industry in the mid-nineties. In 1998, he guided Martin and Annie Coudeville from Oostende, Belgium on their first visit to Vietnam. It was the beginning of an ongoing relationship that changed his life, giving him direction and opportunities he otherwise might never have had.

Andy's integrity, competence and natural qualities of leadership soon brought him into the ranks of management in some of the industry's leading companies. In 2006, tempered by a decade of experience, Andy, together with his friends Chi and Quyet, founded Asiana Travel Mate, establishing the fledgling company's first office in Ho Chi Minh City that year. Bonded by a common vision of a company that would deliver on it's promises and operate in a responsible manner, the trio formulated the principle of "Responsible Travel and Sharing", with customized inbound travel and personalized services as the cornerstone of its operations. Asiana Travel Mate's clientele base soon began to grow beyond expectations.

Andy is an intrepid photographer and is personally committed to the ideals of social responsibility, expressed through community outreach initiatives, now embedded as part of the company's operations. He is gifted with a knack for strategic marketing initiatives and his visionary, egalitarian style of management has engendered a well motivated and competent work force that has vitalized the company's growth and direction.
"I believe in making things possible."
Quote: Nguyen Dinh An

Nguyen Ngoc Quyet, based in Saigon, Southern Vietnam.
quyet@asianatravelmate.com

Nguyen Ngoc Quyet (1977) was born in the northern countryside of Hà Tây, one of Vietnam's cultural repositories to the west of Hanoi in the Red River Delta. The region's famous sites includes Vietnam's venerated cave temple, the Perfume Pagoda. Quyet is a graduate of the Columbia Southern University, Saigon, with an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management. He now lives with his wife and daughter in the southern, commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City.
Quyet 's deep passion for his homeland and his penchant for travel, led him to join Andy and Chi to establish Asiana Travel Mate. Analytically inclined, he keeps an objective pulse on the company's performance, monitoring and guiding the company's development through the use of information technology and computerized database systems.
Quyet's consistent and objective approach is balanced by his warm, friendly personality and genuine concern for the welfare of the company's employees and its commitment to the indirect stakeholders of the tourism industry; the local communities.

Bui Van Chi, based in Hanoi, Northern Vietnam.
han-office@asianatravelmate.com

Bui Van Chi (1977) was born in Nghệ An, the home province of Hồ Chí Minh in the north central coast of Vietnam. He majored in English and French at the University of Foreign Studies and in International Business Administration at the University of Economics in Hanoi where he now lives with his wife and daughter.
Prior to the founding of Asiana Travel Mate in 2006, Chi traveled extensively throughout the northern territories of Vietnam as a tour guide, leading classic and adventure tours. These included kayaking, cycling and trekking, activities and special assignments for film crews as well as location surveys. He later extended his travel into Laos and Cambodia as a tour leader. In the course of his early career, Chi had worked with Andy and their common experiences led to a convergent outlook and shared vision for the founding of Asiana Travel Mate.
Chi has a talent for logistics management with a pragmatic and candid approach to operational concerns, keeping the company's tour operations on an even keel, in close liaison with the marketing team to deliver the scope and quality of services promised. His even tempered character and professionalism is an inspiration to staff based in Hanoi where the company has realized significant growth since it opened it's offices in the capital city.

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